customary time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "customary time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the standard or traditional timekeeping practices in a particular culture or context. Example: "In many cultures, customary time is based on natural events, such as sunrise and sunset, rather than strict clock time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Then he rose at his customary time, 5 30 a.m.

The New York Times

New words, new pronunciations and new meanings were being born by then without the customary time for incubation.

The New York Times

So confident was the President that his choice of Roberts as Chief Justice would be well received that he announced his decision at 8 a.m. on Labor Day, instead of waiting for a more customary time to break news.

The New Yorker

Talk story about the sudden departure of many White House senior officials from the Clinton Administration....The customary time for setting off after fame and riches is the period right after reelection.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 17, 1997 P. 37 Talk story about the sudden departure of many White House senior officials from the Clinton Administration....The customary time for setting off after fame and riches is the period right after reelection.

The New Yorker

The early episodes do not allude to drinking or other hedonistic behavior; on the other hand the girls were sent to rusticate for 30 days, the customary time for rehab.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A one-way trip into the future is the staple of the suspended-animation story, the device behind the Buck Rogers stories and a host of consequent tales in which a hero of the present-day escapes the customary time-bound limits of human mortality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the time, I followed the customary Times practice of relying on the supervising desk editor — in this case, most often the Washington editor and the foreign editor — to make sure the sourcing on the stories they handled was correct.

The New Yorker

And in both neighborhoods, both hotbeds of resistance, residents say disappearances have continued all week as the security forces appear to be rounding up suspected protesters in anticipation of Friday Prayer services, the customary gathering time for street protests across the Arab world.

The New York Times

As is customary every time Take That return to the live stage, they've brought with them a visual spectacle of the kind which is designed to keep their audience telling their friends and sharing the photographs long after the event has passed.

Independent

When England met Argentina in Sapporo in the 2002 World Cup, British journalists swapped players' quotes with their South American counterparts, as is customary; this time, however, we broke the usual quid-pro-quo custom by giving them money, because back home the peso had crashed, the banks were boarded up and they were suddenly penniless.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "customary time" to denote a time that is expected or traditional within a specific context or culture. It's especially effective when contrasting it with a deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "customary time" when referring to strict deadlines or scheduled appointments. "Customary time" implies a degree of flexibility or cultural expectation, not a precise, unyielding timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "customary time" functions as a noun phrase, where "customary" modifies "time". It denotes a time that is typical or traditional in a specific context. Ludwig examples confirm that it qualifies a period often related to traditions or established routines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "customary time" is a useful and relatively common way to refer to the typical or traditional time for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. It's suitable for various contexts, and the related phrases, like "usual time" or "typical time", can provide slight variations in meaning. Remember to use it when referring to traditions and not rigid schedules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Usual time

Replaces "customary" with "usual", implying regularity without necessarily being a tradition.

Typical time

Substitutes "customary" with "typical", suggesting the most common or expected time.

Normal time

Emphasizes that the time is within the bounds of what's considered standard or average.

Regular time

Suggests a predictable and consistent timing, similar to "customary".

Traditional time

Highlights the historical or cultural aspect of the timing, emphasizing established practices.

Established time

Indicates that the time is well-recognized and long-standing.

Fixed time

Implies a specific and unchangeable timing, focusing on the lack of flexibility.

Scheduled time

Highlights that the time is part of an arranged plan or timetable.

Prescribed time

Suggests that the timing is mandated or officially set.

Designated time

Focuses on the act of assigning a particular time for something.

FAQs

What does "customary time" mean?

The phrase "customary time" refers to the usual or traditional time for something, based on habit or cultural norms. It suggests something is expected or typical, not necessarily formally scheduled.

When is it appropriate to use "customary time" in a sentence?

Use "customary time" when describing an event or activity that typically occurs at a certain time due to tradition or habit. For example, "The customary time for tea is 4 PM."

What are some alternatives to saying "customary time"?

You can use alternatives like "usual time", "typical time", or "traditional time" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "customary time" differ from "standard time"?

"Customary time" refers to the usual or expected time based on custom, while "standard time" refers to a legally or officially established time zone. They aren't always interchangeable; something can be customary without being standard, and vice versa.